ADHD is characterized by which symptoms appearing by age 7?

• A. A pattern of aggressive and violent behavior.
• B. A mood disorder associated with depressive episodes.
• C. A personality disorder characterized by risk-taking.
• D. A psychological disorder that appears by age 7 with inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Answer: (D)

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition in which persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity disrupt functioning and begin in childhood. A defining feature is onset by a young age, with symptoms in three areas: inattention (difficulties sustaining attention, careless mistakes, forgetfulness), hyperactivity (fidgeting, restlessness, excessive talking), and impulsivity (blurting out answers, interrupting, difficulty waiting). When these patterns start by age 7 and occur in more than one setting, they describe ADHD as given in the option. The other choices point to different disorders—aggression without the full attention/hyperactivity/impulsivity pattern, mood disorders with depressive episodes, or personality disorders with risk-taking—that don’t match ADHD’s core triad and childhood onset.